The Virginia Sweetspire - Henry Garnet
The
Virginia Sweetspire is a native plant
specimen in the southeastern part of the United
States. This shrub or small tree grows well also
in zones five through nine. Also known by its cultivator
name of Henry Garnet. This cultivator's flowers are longer
than the original specimen. To many that see this shrub,
they may think of it as a scrub tree, but it's variety of
characteristics allows this specimen to show flowers
in spring and summer months. The leaves become
colorful as the fall air becomes brisk.
The Henry Garnet is considered an evergreen in warmer climates and will
become deciduous as you go further north.
The
Henry Garnet can mature anywhere from three up
to ten feet high and may spread out up to six feet.
Depending on your geographic location, the Virginia
Sweetspire will explode in mid spring or summer
with full clusters of delicate white flowers. These flowers will send out a mild fragrance.
The leaves have a deep and rich green color, and
a well defined shape. This shrub can take
full sun or partial shade.
It loves moist and
wet soils, but a great aspect of this specimen
is it is also drought tolerant. It can be commonly
seen in the woods mingling throughout other
evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs. In the
southeastern United States, many hikers enjoy the
beauty of the
Virginia Sweetspire, as they walk through peaceful scenes in nature.
Many of the places in the scenes of nature through
photography section, have the Henry Garnet plant available
to view.
Another distinct characteristic in the established
Virginia Sweetspire, is its smooth and slender trunk.
This is one reason it can be considered a tree.
In the
learning center section,
there is a page on different tree trunks.
You can see the variety of textures and
color tones.
When the autumn air becomes cooler,
the Henry Garnet leaves will transform
from green into rich tones of purple
and red.
Due to the flowering in spring
and summer months, and the colorful
leaves in the fall, the Virginia Sweetspire
is a wonderful specimen for a garden setting.
It can be used as an accent plant and is
striking if planted in masses. An evergreen
back drop of
Arborvitaes
gives you another option for your outside enjoyment. A great native and accent
specimen for your landscape.
